Alexander Carlisle
Titanic Lifeboat Davit Planning
Works on lifeboat and davit arrangements for the Olympic-class design while serving at Harland and Wolff.
Titanic quick answer
Why did Titanic not have enough lifeboats?
Titanic met the life-saving appliance rules then in force, but the available boat places were far below the number of people aboard. The inquiries recommended lifeboat capacity based on people carried, places for everyone, stronger inspection and better crew training.
Answer in context
Existing rules, actual boat capacity and the reforms recommended after the disaster. The supporting records below are selected directly from the current 617-record Titanic archive.
Archive records supporting this answer
18 matching archive records are rendered directly in this static page.
Harold Godfrey Lowe
Starboard Lifeboat Inspection
Inspects starboard lifeboats and their equipment with Sixth Officer Moody before the maiden voyage.
Herbert John Pitman
Titanic Lifeboat Inspection
Inspects port-side lifeboats and their equipment before Titanic enters passenger service.
Senator William Alden Smith
Lifeboat Reform Recommendation
Supports the report's recommendation that passenger ships carry lifeboat capacity sufficient for everyone aboard.
Senator William Alden Smith
Passenger Drill Recommendation
Supports recommendations for improved lifeboat assignments, crew training and passenger emergency drills before departure.
Senator William Alden Smith
United States Lifeboat Capacity Recommendation
Supports Senate recommendations requiring lifeboat capacity adequate for the people carried on ocean-going passenger ships.
Senator William Alden Smith
United States Lifeboat Crew Training Recommendation
Supports proper assignment and training of crew members so lifeboats can be loaded, lowered and handled efficiently in emergencies.
Senator William Alden Smith
United States Passenger Drill Recommendation
Supports passenger lifeboat assignments and emergency drills before departure so people know where to go during an abandonment.
Harold Arthur Sanderson
Titanic Lifeboat Regulations Evidence
Gives evidence comparing Titanic's lifeboat provision with the requirements then imposed by the Board of Trade.
Harold Arthur Sanderson
Lifeboat Capacity Policy Evidence
Discusses White Star views on lifeboat accommodation and the practical problems of carrying additional boats.
Walter J. Howell
Titanic Regulation Evidence
Gives extensive evidence about Board of Trade marine administration, lifeboat rules and bulkhead regulation.
Lord John Charles Bigham
Lifeboat Capacity Based on Persons
Recommends calculating lifeboat and raft capacity from the number of people carried rather than from a ship's tonnage.
Lord John Charles Bigham
Lifeboats Independent of Subdivision
Recommends treating lifeboat accommodation independently from the protection provided by watertight subdivision.
Lord John Charles Bigham
Lifeboat Places for Everyone
Recommends sufficient lifeboat accommodation for everyone aboard passenger ships wherever such provision is practicable.
Lord John Charles Bigham
Continuous Lifeboat Fender Requirement
Recommends fitting lifeboats with continuous protective fenders to reduce damage while boats are lowered in a seaway.
Lord John Charles Bigham
Lifeboat Emergency Equipment Readiness
Recommends that lifeboat equipment be aboard before departure and that boats carry lights, compasses, provisions and capacity markings.
Lord John Charles Bigham
Stronger Lifesaving Appliance Inspection
Recommends more searching official inspection of lifeboats and other life-saving appliances before passenger ships sail.
Lord John Charles Bigham
Trained Lifeboat Crew Requirement
Recommends training additional crew members in boat work whenever deck crews alone cannot adequately man all lifeboats.
Sources and further reading
- The National Archives — Titanic Report of Survey
Lists Titanic's lifeboats and aggregate accommodation and notes compliance with the rules then in force. - The National Archives — Passengers on the Titanic
Explains the mismatch between legal minimum lifeboat provision and people aboard. - International Maritime Organization — History of life-saving appliance requirements
Development of international life-saving appliance requirements after Titanic.